NEW DELHI: Indian arm of American car manufacturer Ford has become the largest exporter of cars and SUVs in the month of December 2016, beating down the local units of Korean car manufacturer Hyundai Motor India which has been the leader in passenger vehicle exports.

The American automaker exported 17,904 units in December 2016 compared to 4941 units in the same month in 2015, registering a spike of 262.36 percent. Hyundai, on the other hand, exported 17,107 units in the last month compared to 22,273 units in December 2015. The export of the carmaker declined by 23.19 percent.

In mid-2016, Ford India started exports to European markets. The company exported its hatchback Figo aka KA+ to Europe. At present, Ford exports cars to as many as 50 countries from India.Ford India saw a surge in exports of its Figo and Figo Aspire models also. The company exported 11,630 units, of the cars, in December 2016 compared to 1751 units in the December 2015. Hyundai India's bestseller i10, i20, Grand i10, Xcent and Getz saw a decline in exports. The company exported 11,031 units in December 2016 compared to 14678 units in the same month of 2015.

In mid-2016, Ford India started exports to European markets. The company exported its hatchback Figo aka KA+ to Europe. At present, Ford exports cars to as many as 50 countries from India.

“Ford is proud to be making in India, for India and the world. We continue to stay committed to position India as a centre of manufacturing excellence with products exported to more than 50 markets across the globe, including parts of ASEAN, Europe, Middle-East and Africa among others, ” said Anurag Mehrotra, Executive Director, Marketing, Sales, and Service, Ford India.

In 2015, Ford India invested $1 billion in Sanand Plant with an aim to grow from India in next five years. Ford Sanand plant spread over 460 acres having an annual capacity of 2.4 lakh vehicles and 2.7 lakh engines employ more than 2500 workmen.

According to industry experts, lot of carmakers which are not able to well in the domestic markets are looking to expand the overseas markets leveraging low-cost labour, infrastructure, and electricity. However, few believes that strategic products which do well on domestic and as well in the international market is the key to producing in India.

Kaushik Madhavan, Director - Automotive & Transportation, MENASA at Frost & Sullivan said, "Ford India over the past couple years has introduced global models, such as the Figo siblings, Endeavour and so on. This makes it easier for Ford to leverage India as it's manufacturing hub to sell these models globally. Ford is also planning to introduce a couple models during the next 2 years which will not only boost sales in India but will also contribute to their export numbers".